Page 12 - Oundle Life June 2022

QA
MARTIN
CHARLES
DESIGN
Beautiful, unique dresses
Martin Charles opened his elegant design studio in Oundle in March of 2011. He has been welcoming brides, from far and wide, to our beautiful town ever since.
What made you choose Oundle? It’s a great place to come and visit, to have lunch, or coffee, after an appointment – rather than a busy town centre. Most of my brides travel from London.
Favourite dress on sale today? It’s usually the one I am working on at the time.
What is the best thing about your job? I get to be creative and make something from scratch, cut the pattern, source fabric and put the dress together – right from start to finish.
How have you seen the High Street change?
I have had my shop for nearly 12 years – that
is a lifetime for a bridal shop. As with my business, the High Street adapts to change.
With more dresses ordered online, I now offer alterations for dresses that I have not made. Plus bridesmaids, prom and quality casual clothing.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs? Inspiration for dresses comes from all over. But brides mostly have a good idea what they are looking for. I don’t sit and illustrate these days. A gown grows through the process of toiling and fittings – it’s organic.
Anyone famous popped in? I did do a lot
of work for international celebrities early in
my career, when I worked in Milan, but now
I prefer to work for clients who appreciate the time you put in and are delightful to work with.
You have £10 to give to charity, who do you choose? Great Ormond Street Hospital. Not through any heart wrenching story, just because I thought it was a good idea.
What’s the best thing about being in Oundle? Everything is in walking distance and it has a good community spirit. I always think on a sunny day it feels like you are on holiday.
Most challenging moment? Two years of COVID. First – no weddings and then, trying to
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